In conjunction with The Declaration of Independence Display we invite you to join us for a special event!

Community Screening: Her Fight, His Name: The Story of Gwen Carr and Eric Garner

Brought to you by: Archive of Documentary Arts and David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library

The short documentary centers on Gwen Carr's enduring fight for justice following the 2014 death of her son, Eric Garner, after being pinned to the ground in a chokehold by a police officer in Staten Island. The New York City medical examiner stated the cause of death as a homicide. Garner's final words, "I can't breathe," became a rallying cry in protests against police violence and systemic racism across the United States. Filmed over several years, the documentary places Carr's voice at its core, tracing her transformation from grieving mother to nationally recognized advocate for accountability and human rights.

Winner of the 2026 Human Rights Digital Storytelling Award sponsored by the David M. Rubenstein Rare book and Manuscript Library.

Community discussion to follow with Director Brad Bailey and Mrs. Gwen Carr.

Read With Us

US Constitution/Declaration of Independence Childrens' Booklist 

US Constitution/Declaration of Independence Adult Booklist 

Full Durham Schedule

To maximize access across the region, the documents are hosted in two Durham spaces:

• Durham County Main Library: September 8 – September 20, 2026
• Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University: September 24, 2026 – January 3, 2027 - click here for more information

The Declaration of Independence is organized in collaboration with Duke Arts and the Nasher Museum of Art and is part of We the People: A Duke & Durham Initiative that marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through a series of public events examining the nation’s evolving identity. Three historic copies of the Declaration of Independence are on loan from the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection. Leadership support for We the People has been generously provided by David M. Rubenstein. 

Information on Entering Main Library

Parking is available in the library parking lot or at the North Queen Street Garage located at 115 North Queen Street which is behind the apartments directly across the street from the library.